We do not condone child abuse, pastor misconduct – JCC

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) and the wider Christian community said they regret the recent news of the allegations of abuse of one of the nation’s children by a minister of the church.In a statement today, the group said: "While we await the outcome of the legal process, we do not support or condone the abuse of our children or the misconduct of our leaders. We are seized by the gravity of the impact and implications on the church, families and wider society on account of the case at hand."The group said, undoubtedly, the outrage has served as a reminder to the church of the high standard with which the church and its leaders are held by the society and the burden of responsibility in ensuring that the church lives up to those expectations."The public response has been accentuated on account of the rate of child abuse in our country and the very early sexual initiation of many of our youth. This is a major concern for the church as well."The council added that "the grace and mercy of God, and the imperatives of the gospel, demand that we reach out with loving care to all, irrespective. In light of this, and within the context of the present crisis, we prayerfully remember the teen, her family and friends; the accused and his family and friends, the church community – those who have benefitted from the pastoral leadership of the accused, his denomination and the wider church community.""As church, we remain committed to holding our members, and especially our leaders, to the highest level of morality, professionalism and Christian witness as embodied in our various denominational codes of conduct. Guided by such codes, we appeal to our leaders to be responsible in the use of the power and influence that has come with the pastoral call and office, even as we support them in leading lives of integrity. We further commit to continuing our partnerships with the State and other agencies in ridding our society of the scourge of child abuse."

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